KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will call on Asean's main rice supplier nations to give priority to exporting the staple food to member countries at the 45th Asean Ministers' Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF).

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin said the matter would be raised during the bilateral discussion sessions with the countries at the AMAF, which is being held here on Wednesday (Oct 4).

"Perhaps, at the bilateral sessions, we will raise it, just like how we want to further strengthen ties between two countries so that priority is given to exporting rice to Asean countries. Discussions may be held with either Thailand or Vietnam,” he told reporters after representing Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu in officiating the launch of the event.

Commenting on the White Rice Integrated Operations launched on Tuesday (Oct 3), Chan said comprehensive inspections at all levels of the paddy and rice industry chain will begin at any time.

Yesterday, Mohamad Sabu, when launching the ops, said it would involve paddy and rice regulatory bodies, the ministry, police, Malaysian Royal Customs Department and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Department (Maqis).

Earlier, Chan said in his remarks that the sustainability of agricultural and forestry sectors are vital to the livelihoods of millions of people in Asean and faces imminent threats from climate change, overfishing, unsustainable agriculture practices and food wastage.

"It is incumbent upon us to safeguard this sector, a source of both sustenance and income, while responsibly managing our limited resources.

"Our shared vision to deepen linkages among ourselves and with external partners is a vital endeavour. In these turbulent times, a united Asean can better absorb and mitigate external shocks from policy shifts or regional conflicts, ensuring stability and prosperity for our people,” he said. - Bernama